16 Days 2016

With the support from the USAID, WiLDAF in collaboration with Coalition for combating gender based violence (MKUKI) and other stakeholders conducted the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to raise awareness to key actors and community members on the right of safe and quality education for all. The campaign was conducted in the regions of Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Mbeya and Mara. The campaign involved community members, individuals, secondary school children and teachers who participated in the events. We engaged key partners and stakeholders working in the field of promotion of gender equality and education to raise awareness about gender-based violence and its effects on women’s and children lives the related access to education and safety among women, men, children, families and the whole community. We also engaged media practitioners from private and public sector to cover the event in a sensitive manner. Nonetheless, we involved the ministries such as the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children; Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister’s office-Regional Administrative and Local Government (PMO-RALG).

The theme for the 2016 campaign was “FUNGUKA! PINGA UKATILI WA KIJINSIA: ELIMU SALAMA KWAWOTE”.

Outputs of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for the year 2016

• The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign created a concrete link between policy makers, the communities, development partners, media, school children and other stakeholders dealing with the prevention and response to GBV and VAC. “I am ready and willing to support the Rungwe paralegal in their activities as it real based on helping the vulnerable groups in my district.” A statement from the Rungwe District Commissioner, Honorable Julius Chalya who was the guest of honor during launching of the 16 days of Activism Campaign in Rungwe District

• The campaign of 16 days against gender violence in Mara Region was launched at Bweri center on 25^th November 2016 by the guest of Honor Ms. Annarose Nyanugi who is the district commissioner of Butiama. “She insisted the community that they should not tolerate any acts of violence. They should report them”.

• By creating and moderating Twitters, Face book and blogs platforms for women to raise their voices on issues affecting their daily lives and by fostering dialogues with followers, commenting on feedback, responding to questions and asking questions. This created distinct opportunities for engagement and offers valuable insights into the audience and at the same time it builds trust and encourages the audience to return for reliable and valued content. A total number of 201,511 people were reached through face book 30, 684 people were reached through Twitter, while eleven blogs displayed various messages of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.